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This year's United Kingdom representatives have spoken out about the reception Israel has received
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UK girl group Remember Monday have addressed the noise surrounding their fellow Eurovision competitor and Israeli singer Yuval Raphael's participation in the contest.
Remember Monday are preparing to take to the Eurovision stage in Basel, Switzerland this Saturday with their upbeat track What The Hell Just Happened?.
The trio, consisting of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, will represent the United Kingdom in the Grand Final with their energetic anthem inspired by a chaotic night out.
Remember Monday, who first met at a sixth-form college in Hampshire, are the first all-female multi-person act to represent the UK since 1999. The band has already sailed through to Saturday's final as the UK is an automatic qualifier as part of the "Big Five" nations.
Eurovision 2025: Israel's entry Yuval Raphael has faced plenty of backlash to her participation
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As protests are expected across Basel this week over Israel's continued inclusion in the contest, Remember Monday have addressed the political tensions surrounding this year's Eurovision.
Addressing the backlash head-on, the band said: "We just think it's really difficult, it's such a complex issue, and that's really difficult to comment on in a little soundbite.
"But we're so excited. Eurovision was literally created to celebrate - the slogan is 'United by Music'. We're excited to be here and to be meeting all the acts and participating in such an amazing competition."
When asked how they manage competing in an increasingly politicised show, the band said to the Standard: "I think we honestly just try to focus on what we're here to do, which is hopefully do our country proud."
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Remember Monday are this year's UK Eurovision entry
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Security has been ramped up in Basel with 1,300 police officers on duty, backed by support from neighbouring countries.
The band has also praised the improved artist welfare measures implemented for this year's contest following a high-profile incident in 2024.
Dutch act Joost Klein was removed from last year's final after allegedly threatening a production worker, though a criminal case was later dropped.
The European Broadcasting Union pledged to introduce new safeguarding rules for 2025, with measures to protect the well-being of artists in Basel.
These appear to include the scrapping of semi-final media conferences and additional welfare measures for artists, delegations, and journalists.
"We only have our experience to go by, and it's honestly been incredible," the band shared.
"We are so happy we feel so looked after, so safe. We're genuinely having the time of our lives, we are so, so grateful to be a part of this incredible community."
Despite the UK's recent struggles in Eurovision, Remember Monday have expressed hopes for a strong performance on Saturday night. Charlotte Steele told the media they'd love a Top 10 placing in the final.
The trio are also working towards making history, as a girl band has never won Eurovision despite more than half of all winners being female solo artists.
"We're a band that have been together for 14 years now and we put our friendship first. I think that is our superpower," Charlotte said.
"We really love each other, and no matter what happens, we will be solid at the end of it. We are buzzing, this is an experience we get to do together."
Holly-Anne Hull added: "I think the scariest thing is that I want us to be proud of the performance. The only people that can control that is us."
Remember Monday will perform What the Hell Just Happened? to the Swiss crowd on Saturday night
BBC
Remember Monday's journey to Eurovision began long before their selection as the UK's 2025 representatives. The trio first met in high school in Hampshire, where they used to skip classes to work on music together.
Their band name originated from reminding each other to "remember Monday" as it was their designated rehearsal day.
In 2019, they appeared on ITV's The Voice, turning the chairs of will.i.am, Jennifer Hudson, Sir Tom Jones and Olly Murs before being eliminated in the Knockout stages.